Deandre Ayton Injury Update
Deandre Ayton left the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 5, 2026, due to a knee injury, after playing just four minutes. The Lakers center was ruled out during the third quarter because of left knee soreness, finishing the game with 0 points, 2 rebounds, and a plus/minus of -13.
Ayton’s early exit was felt by the team, with teammate Marcus Smart commenting, “It sucked for him not to be out there in the game. He tried to go and it just didn’t feel right for him and it sucks.” This injury follows a recent trend, as Ayton had missed two games before the All-Star break due to right knee soreness.
In Ayton’s absence, Jaxson Hayes stepped up, starting the second half and scoring 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting. However, the Lakers also faced challenges with Maxi Kleber unavailable for the game due to back soreness, further complicating their lineup.
Before this injury, Ayton was averaging 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds over 53 games this season. Despite his statistical contributions, he has faced criticism for his effort and play, which has raised questions about his performance throughout the year.
The Lakers are now left to navigate the uncertainty surrounding Ayton’s condition. His status for the next game against the Indiana Pacers is uncertain, with observers hoping for a quick recovery. Smart expressed optimism, stating, “Hopefully, next game, he’s ready to go and we can use him.”
As the team prepares for their upcoming match, details remain unconfirmed regarding the severity of Ayton’s injury and whether he will be able to return to the court soon.
